A longtime dream came true the day Kathy Cody and Anna Arlington opened the doors to the Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop. After nearly a quarter century of relentless collecting,
Kathy has finally found a home for her garden furniture, vintage linens and antique tea cups and pots and silverware. All of these treasures now decorate the Victorian style tea house in downtown Calabash.

Kathy and Anna moved to the North Carolina coast in 2003 after visiting the area for a golf vacation. They fell in love with the people and the relaxed ambiance of Calabash and decided that this would be a wonderful place to live and work.

Kathy has been involved in the catering and staffing industry for many years and is very well known for the quality and presentation of her food. Anna began working with Kathy in 2001 after eighteen years in the child care business and five years teaching elementary school. A big change to be sure, but with a love of cooking herself, a partnership was born.

While back in NJ this past spring for a family party, they visited several tea rooms and became intrigued with the prospect of opening up a tea room of their own. Thus the concept for the Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop was born.

Upon returning to North Carolina, they began scouting locations to showcase Kathy's collection as well as her flair for cooking. They set out on a mission to learn everything they could about selecting and brewing teas from around the world

Before long, the building that is now home to the Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop became available. From the very first glance, they knew they had found the perfect spot. After several months of decorating, painting, planting and planning, they opened the doors to the tea house and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Together they have created a Tea Room with ambiance and charm. Tea sandwiches are served on ornate tiers decorated with fresh flowers and made of only the finest ingredients. Over 80 varieties of teas to choose from (all available to purchase). The tables are set with fine china, silver and linens. The walls are adorned with antique pictures and décor. Soft music plays in the background while guest enjoy the experience of "taking tea" in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere.

Quaint and quiet with a lovely outdoor feel to it, Kathy and Anna feel they have accomplished what they set out to do, create a place where people can Sip, Relax and Enjoy Life for A While. Come visit us at The Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop, the only one of its' kind in Brunswick County and see for yourself what all the buzz is about!! Don't forget to check out our gift shop where you can purchase all 80 of our gourmet teas, tea pots, tea cups and everything you will need for your perfect tea party! Come make a memory!